Systems and methods for next generation mobile network optimized media path selection

ABSTRACT

A network device receives a first message that includes an identifier (ID) of a first User Plane Function (UPF), serving a first device, in a wireless network, where the first message invites a second device to engage in a session with the first device and where the first UPF supports packet routing and forwarding within the wireless network. The network device extracts the ID of the first UPF from the first message and determines a closest media resource function (MRF) to the first UPF, where the MRF processes and routes media streams between devices. The network device assigns the determined MRF as an anchor, in a network path between the first device and the second device, for processing and routing of media streamed between the first device and the second device.

BACKGROUND

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a mobile telecommunications standard,promulgated by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute(ETSI), for wireless communication involving mobile user equipment, suchas mobile devices and data terminals. LTE networks include existingFourth Generation (4G), and 4.5 Generation (4.5G) wireless networks. Thegoals of LTE included increasing the capacity and speed of wireless datanetworks and redesigning and simplifying the network architecture to anInternet Protocol (IP)-based system with reduced latency compared to theThird Generation (3G) network architecture.

Next Generation mobile networks have been proposed as the next evolutionof mobile wireless networks, such as the existing 4G and 4.5G LTE mobilenetworks. Next Generation mobile networks, such as Fifth Generation NewRadio (5G NR) mobile networks, are expected to operate in the higherfrequency ranges, and such networks are expected to transmit and receivein the GigaHertz frequency band with a broad bandwidth near 500-1,000MegaHertz. The expected bandwidth of Next Generation mobile networks isintended to support download speeds of up to about 35-50 Gigabits persecond. The proposed 5G mobile telecommunications standard, among otherfeatures, may operate in the millimeter wave bands (e.g., 14 GigaHertz(GHz) and higher), and supports more reliable, massive machinecommunications (e.g., machine-to-machine (M2M), Internet of Things(IoT)). Next Generation mobile networks, such as those implementing the5G mobile telecommunications standard, are expected to enable a higherutilization capacity than current wireless systems, permitting a greaterdensity of wireless users, with a lower latency. Next Generation mobilenetworks, thus, are designed to increase data transfer rates, increasespectral efficiency, improve coverage, improve capacity, and reducelatency.

The Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) defines a set ofspecifications that enables the convergence of voice, video, data andmobile technology over an all IP-based network infrastructure. Inparticular, IMS fills the gap between the two most successfulcommunication paradigms—cellular and Internet technology, by providingInternet services everywhere using cellular technology in a moreefficient way. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is the main protocolfor IMS. SIP is an application layer control (signaling) protocol forcreating, modifying and terminating sessions (e.g., voice sessions) withone or more participants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary network environment in which userequipment (UEs) may send and/or receive voice calls;

FIG. 1B illustrates a transport portion of the network environment ofFIG. 1A used for transporting packet-switched calls between UEs;

FIG. 2A illustrates media transport, associated with a voice call, in afirst example in which the call endpoint UEs are connected to a sameNext Generation Mobile Network, or to different Next Generation MobileNetworks;

FIG. 2B illustrates media transport, associated with a voice call, in asecond example in which one call endpoint UE is connected to a NextGeneration Mobile Network and the other call endpoint UE is connected toa second, different network, such as a PSTN network, CDMA network, orother non-Next Generation Mobile Network;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate further details of the transport portion ofthe network environment of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4 depicts components of the IMS network of the network environmentof FIG. 1A according to one exemplary implementation;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of exemplary components of a network device that maycorrespond to various devices and network nodes of FIGS. 1A-4;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary implementation of a data structure that maybe stored in the Media Resource Function Routing database of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for assigning an IMSMedia Resource Function for optimized routing and processing of mediaassociated with a voice call (e.g., Voice over New Radio call) thattraverses a transport network(s);

FIG. 8 is an exemplary messaging/operations diagram associated with theprocess of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of distances D between the User PlaneFunction serving a call originating UE and N different Media ResourceFunctions located at various network locations in the transportnetwork(s); and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of distances D_(SBC) between SessionBorder Controllers and the Media Resource Function Processor of theMedia Resource Function processing transported media associated with avoice call.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the sameor similar elements. The following detailed description does not limitthe invention.

During Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) calls in Fourth Generation(4G) Mobile Networks, media (e.g., audio) associated with the callstraverses the transport network between at least two endpoint UEs. MediaResource Functions (MRFs) of the IMS network may be selected such thatthe MRFs' Media Resource Function Processors (MRFPs) can process androute the calls between the endpoint UEs. When a UE originates orterminates a VoLTE call, the IMS network uses the UE's serving PacketGateway (PGW) information for the SIP signaling and media flow. Innetworks, having different network architecture than 4G networks, suchas, for example, Next Generation Mobile networks, different techniquesneed to be used for the media processing and routing of Voice over NewRadio (VoNR) calls between call endpoints.

Exemplary embodiments described herein route VoNR calls between callendpoints based on a mapping between Next Generation Mobile network UserPlane Functions (UPFs) and the closest MRFs to those UPFs so as tominimize, for example, end-to-end latency during media transport betweencall endpoints. The MRFs that are closest to particular UPFs in thetransport network(s) are determined, and then mapped in a data structurefor storage in a database. When a Call Session Control Function (CSCF)of the IMS network receives a SIP invite message associated with a VoNRcall between call endpoints, the CSCF determines the UPF serving thecall originating UE and obtains, from the user profile associated withthe UE, the UPF identifier (e.g., the UPF network address). The CSCFinserts the UPF identifier into the SIP invite message and forwards themessage to the terminating CSCF in the IMS network. The terminating CSCFextracts the UPF identifier from the SIP invite message and performs alookup into the database to retrieve a closest MRF to the serving UPF.In some implementations, a closest MRF to the serving UPF includes a UPFwhose location in the transport network(s) minimizes end-to-end latencyassociated with the media transport of the VoNR call. The terminatingCSCF instructs the serving UPF to route media associated with the VoNRcall to the retrieved, closest MRF. The serving UPF then routes themedia associated with the VoNR call to the selected MRF for mediaprocessing (and/or other processing functions) and routing towards thedestination UE.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary network environment 100 in which userequipment (UEs) may send and/or receive voice calls. As shown, networkenvironment 100 includes UEs 110-1 and 110-2, a Next Generation MobileNetwork(s) 120, a Fourth Generation (4G) Mobile network(s) 130, and anIMS network 140. Network environment 100 may further include a packetdata network (not shown in FIG. 1A). The transport portion of networkenvironment 100 is described with respect to FIGS. 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and3B below.

UEs 110-1 and 110-2 (referred to herein as “UE 110” or “UEs 110”) mayeach include any type of computational device that communicates vianetworks 120, 130, and/or 140. UEs 110 may each include, for example, acomputer (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, or wearable computer), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a “smart” phone, or a“Machine-to-Machine” (M2M) or “Internet of Things” (IoT) device. A“user” (not shown) may own, operate, administer, and/or carry each UE110.

Next Generation Mobile network 120 includes any type of a NextGeneration Mobile network that includes evolved network components(e.g., future generation components) relative to an LTE network, such asa 4G or 4.5G mobile network. In one implementation, Next GenerationMobile network 120 may include a 5G mobile network. 4G network 130includes any type of a PLMN or satellite network that implements a LTEmobile telecommunications standard, such as the 4G or 4.5G LTE standard.4G network 130 may include any other type of PLMN or satellite network,including a non-LTE network. IMS network 140 includes a network thatuses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for voice and multimediasession control, such as for creating, modifying and terminatingsessions between devices (e.g. UEs 110-1 and 110-2).

The configuration of network components of network environment 100 shownin

FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes. Other configurations may beimplemented. Therefore, network environment 100 may include additional,fewer and/or different components that may be configured in a differentarrangement than that depicted in FIG. 1. For example, networkenvironment 100 may include numerous UEs (e.g., UEs 110-1 through 110-x, where x>2).

FIG. 1B illustrates a transport portion 150 of the network environment100 of FIG. 1A used for transporting packet-switched voice calls betweenUEs 110. Transport portion 150 may include a first Next GenerationMobile network 120-1, a second Next Generation Mobile Network 120-2, afirst 4G Mobile Network 130-1, a second 4G Mobile Network 130-2, and apacket data network 160. In some implementations, first Next GenerationMobile network 120-1 and second Next Generation Mobile Network 120-2include different mobile networks operated by different mobile networkoperators (MNOs). In other implementations, first Next Generation Mobilenetwork 120-1 and second Next Generation Mobile Network 120-2 include asame mobile network operated by a same MNO. Further, in someimplementations, first 4G Mobile network 130-1 and second 4G MobileNetwork 130-2 include different 4G mobile networks operated by one ormore different MNOs. In other implementations, first 4G Mobile network130-1 and second 4G Mobile Network 130-2 include a same mobile networkoperated by a same MNO.

Packet data network 160 includes any type of network that performs datapacket-switched data transport. Packet data network 160 may include, forexample, a telecommunications network (e.g., Public Switched TelephoneNetworks (PSTNs)), a wired and/or wireless local area network (LAN), awired and/or wireless wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan areanetwork (MAN), an intranet, the Internet, and/or a cable network (e.g.,an optical cable network). Packet data network 160 may include wired orwireless links between itself and Next Generation Mobile networks 120-1and 120-2 and 4G Mobile Networks 130-1 and 130-2.

In certain implementations, Next Generation Mobile Network 120-2 of FIG.1B may be replaced with a communications network that is different thanNext Generation Mobile Network 120-1 such as, for example, a PSTN orCDMA network, or other non-Next Generation Mobile Network. In suchimplementations, a voice call transported between UE1 110-1 and UE2110-2 may traverse Next Generation Mobile Network 120-1, cross into thedifferent communications network (e.g., a PSTN or CDMA network) via, forexample, a Session Border Controller (SBC), and then traverse thedifferent network to arrive at the destination UE2 110-2. Though notshown in FIG. 1B, the voice call between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2 mayadditionally include call transport in the opposite direction than thatshown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2A illustrates a first example of media transport, associated witha voice call, across the transport portion 150 of the networkenvironment 100 of FIG. 1B between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2. In theexample of FIG. 2A, both UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2 are connected to a sameNext Generation Mobile Network, or to different Next Generation MobileNetworks. As shown, a voice call (e.g., VoNR voice call), originatingfrom UE1 110-1 involves media transport (e.g., packet-switching of amedia stream) from UE1 110-1 to Next Generation Mobile network 120-1 andon to packet data network 160. Packet data network 160 transports thevoice media, as described in further detail below, to Next GenerationMobile network 120-2 (which may be a different mobile network, or a samemobile network) which, in turn, transports the media to the UE2 110-2 asthe call destination. The voice call transport path traverses NextGeneration Mobile Network 120-1 from UE1 110-1 to UPF1 210 to MRF 220and on packet data network 160. The voice call transport path, aftertransport via packet data network 160, then traverses Next GenerationMobile Network 120-2 to voice call destination UE2 110-1. A MediaResource Function Processor (MRFP)(not shown) of the Media ResourceFunction (MRF) 220) may process and/or mix the transported media streamas, for example, the media stream is transported between the callendpoints UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2. The processing of the media stream bythe MRFP of MRF 220 may include, for example, bridging multiple streamsfor conferencing, audio transcoding, recording, media analysis (e.g.,speech recognition), text-to-speech rendering, video processing, andannouncement playing. The MRF 220 (e.g., the MRF's MRFP) may be locatedwithin Next Generation Mobile Network 120-1 (as shown), or within packetdata network 160 (not shown). Though not depicted in FIG. 2A, the samecall may include a bi-directional voice call that also involves mediatransport from UE2 110-2 to UE1 110-1 via a path that is a reverse ofthat shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B illustrates a second example of media transport, associated witha voice call, across the transport portion 150 of the networkenvironment 100 of FIG. 1B between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2. In theexample of FIG. 2B, UE1 110-1 is connected to Next Generation MobileNetwork 120-1, and UE2 110-2 is connected to a second, differentnetwork, such as, for example, a PSTN or CDMA network, or other non-NextGeneration Mobile Network. As shown, a voice call, originating from UE1110-1 involves media transport (e.g., packet-switching of a mediastream) from UE1 110-1 to Next Generation Mobile network 120-1 and on tonetwork 2 250 via a SBC. The voice call transport path traverses NextGeneration Mobile Network 120-1 from UE1 110-1 to UPF1 210 to MRF 220and on to a SBC that connects to network 2 250. The voice call transportpath then traverses network 2 250 and arrives at the call destinationendpoint UE2 110-2. A session router (SR) 230 in, for example, NextGeneration Mobile Network 120-1, includes a control element that selectsa SBC, from a pool of SBCs, for routing media traffic associated withthe voice call through the SBC to network 2 250. The pool of SBCs mayinclude SBC 1 240-1 through SBCx 240-x , where x is greater than orequal to one and where each SBC 240 may be located at a differentnetwork location, having a different network distance (e.g., associatedwith a different transport latency) from MRFP 220 and/or UPF1 210. EachSBC 240, therefore, may cause a different end-to-end latency in a voicecall session transported via that SBC 240 due each SBC 240′s differentnetwork location. As described further below, a SBC 240 from the SBCpool may be selected that has a nearest network distance (e.g., a leastlatency) to MRFP 220 so as to minimize the end-to-end latency of thetransported voice call between UE1 110-1 and 110-2. Though not depictedin FIG. 2B, the same call may include a bi-directional voice call thatalso involves media transport from UE2 110-2 to UE1 110-1 via a paththat is a reverse of that shown in FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate further details of the transport portion 150of the network environment 100 of FIG. 1B, including details ofcomponents of first Next Generation Mobile network 120-1, second NextGeneration Mobile Network 120-2, first 4G Mobile Network 130-1, andsecond 4G Mobile Network 130-2.

In the VoNR call originating side of the portion 150 of the networkenvironment, shown in FIG. 3A, Next Generation Mobile network 120-1includes, among other nodes, a User Plane Function (UPF1) node 210-1(referred to herein as “UPF 210” or “UPFs 210”), a Session ManagementFunction (SMF) node 305-1 (referred to herein as “SMF 305” or “SMFs305”), an Access Management Function (AMF) node 310-1 (referred toherein as “AMF 310” or “AMFs 310”), a Next Generation Radio AccessNetwork (RAN) 315-1 (referred to herein as “RAN 315” or “RANs 315”), anda Unified Data Management (UDM) node 325-1 (referred to herein as “UDM325” or “UDMs 325”).

UPF node 210-1 includes a network device that acts as a router and agateway between Next Generation Mobile network 120-1 and packet datanetwork 160, and forwards session data between the packet data network160 and a base band unit in Next Generation Mobile network 120-1. Thoughonly a single UPF 210-1 is shown, Next Generation Mobile network 120-1may include multiple UPF devices 210 disposed at various locations innetwork 120-1. SMF node 205-1 includes a network device that performssession management, allocates network addresses to UEs 110, and selectsand controls the UPF 210-1 for data transfer. AMF node 310-1 includes anetwork device that performs UE-based authentication, authorization, andmobility management for UEs 110.

Next Generation RAN 315-1 may include a first base band unit (BBU1)320-1 and multiple remote radio heads (RRHs). BBU1 320-1 may connect tothe multiple RRHs via, for example, optical fibers. BBU1 320-1 includesa network device that operates as a digital function unit that transmitsdigital baseband signals to the multiple RRHs, and receives digitalbaseband signals from the multiple RRHs. If BBU1 320-1 is connected tothe multiple RRHs via, for example, optical fibers, then BBU1 320-1 mayconvert the digital baseband signals into corresponding optical signalsfor transmission to the RRHs, and may receive optical signals from theRRHs and convert the optical signals into corresponding digital basebandsignals.

The RRHs include network devices that operate as radio function unitsthat transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals to/from UEs 110.If the RRHs are connected to BBU1 320-1 via an optical fiber, the RRHsmay convert received RF signals to optical signals, and transmit theoptical signals to BBU1 320-1. Additionally, the RRHs may receiveoptical signals from BBU1 320-1 via the optic fiber, convert the opticalsignals to RF signals for transmission via one or more antennas (e.g.,one or more antenna arrays) of the RRHs. Each of the RRHs may include atleast one antenna array, transceiver circuitry, and other hardware andsoftware components for enabling the RRHs to receive data via wirelessRF signals from UE 110, and to transmit wireless RF signals to UE 110.If Next Generation Mobile network 120-1 is a 5G New Radio (NR) network,BBU1 320-1 and the associated RRH(s) represent a distributed NextGeneration NodeB, which may also be referred to as a “gNB,” or anenhanced LTE (eLTE) eNB that can connect to Next Generation Mobilenetwork 120-1.

As further shown in the VoNR call originating side of the portion 150 ofthe network environment, shown in FIG. 3A, 4G Mobile Network 130-1includes, among other nodes, a Packet Gateway node (P-GW) 325-1, aServing Gateway node (S-GW) 330-1, a Mobility Management Entity node(MME) 335-1, and an LTE RAN 340-1.

Packet Gateway node (P-GW) 325-1 includes a network device that acts asa router and a gateway between 4G Mobile Network 130-1 and packet datanetwork 160, and forwards session data between packet data network 160and a base band unit in 4G Mobile Network 130-1. Serving Gateway node(S-GW) 330-1 includes a network device that routes and forwards sessiondata between P-GW 325-1 and a LTE RAN serving the session's destinationUE 110.

Mobility Management Entity node (MME) 335-1 includes a network devicethat acts as a control entity for 4G Mobile Network 130-1, includingcommunicating with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) (not shown in FIG. 3A)of 4G Mobile Network 130-1 for user/device authentication and foruser/device profile download. MME node 335-1 further provides UEs 110with mobility management and session management functions using, forexample, Network Access Stratum (NAS) signaling.

LTE RAN 340-1 may include a base band unit (BBU2) 345-1 and multipleremote radio heads (RRHs). LTE 340-1 may include one or more additionalbase band units (BBUs) and RRHs, and other wireless nodes andcomponents, not shown in FIG. 3A. BBU2 345-1 may connect to the multipleRRHs via, for example, optical fibers. BBU2 345-1 includes a networkdevice that operates as a digital function unit that transmits digitalbaseband signals to the multiple RRHs, and receives digital basebandsignals from the multiple RRHs. If BBU2 345-1 is connected to themultiple RRHs via, for example, optical fibers, then BBU2 345-1 mayconvert the digital baseband signals into corresponding optical signalsfor transmission to the RRHs, and may receive optical signals from theRRHs and convert the optical signals into corresponding digital basebandsignals.

The RRHs include network devices that operate as radio function unitsthat transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals to/from UEs 110.If the RRHs are connected to BBU2 345-1 via an optical fiber, the RRHsmay convert received RF signals to optical signals, and transmit theoptical signals to BBU2 345-1. Additionally, the RRHs may receiveoptical signals from BBU2 345-1 via the optic fiber, convert the opticalsignals to RF signals for transmission via one or more antennas (e.g.,one or more antenna arrays) of the RRHs. Each of the RRHs may include atleast one antenna array, transceiver circuitry, and other hardware andsoftware components for enabling the RRHs to receive data via wirelessRF signals from UE 110-1, and to transmit wireless RF signals to UE110-1. BBU2 345-1 and the associated RRH(s) represent a distributedevolved NodeB (eNB).

In the VoNR call terminating side of the portion 150 of the networkenvironment, shown in FIG. 3B, Next Generation Mobile network 120-2includes similar nodes to those described with respect to NextGeneration Mobile network 120-1, including, among other nodes, a UPF2node 210-2, a SMF node 305-2, an AMF node 310-2, a Next Generation RAN315-2, and a UDM node 325-2. In circumstances where the VoNR calloriginates in a first mobile network operated by a first MNO, andterminates in a different, second mobile network operated by a secondMNO, then Next Generation Mobile networks 120-1 and 120-2 includeseparate, different mobile networks interconnected via, for example,packet data network 160. In circumstances where the VoNR call originatesin a first mobile network operated by a first MNO, and terminates in thesame mobile network, then Next Generation Mobile networks 120-1 and120-2 are portions of a same Next Generation Mobile 120 thatinterconnects with packet data network 160.

UPF2 node 210-2 includes a network device that acts as a router and agateway between packet data network 160 and Next Generation Mobilenetwork 120-2, and forwards session data between a base band unit inNext Generation Mobile network 120-2 and packet data network 160. Thoughonly a single UPF2 210-2 is shown, Next Generation Mobile network 120-2may include multiple UPF devices 210 disposed at various locations innetwork 120-2. SMF node 305-2 includes a network device that performssession management, allocates network addresses to UEs 110, and selectsand controls the UPF2 210-2 for data transfer. AMF node 310-2 includes anetwork device that performs UE-based authentication, authorization, andmobility management for UEs 110.

Next Generation RAN 315-2 may include a base band unit (BBU1) 320-2 andone or more remote radio heads (RRHs). BBU1 320-2 may connect to the oneor more RRHs via, for example, optical fibers. BBU1 320-2 includes anetwork device that operates as a digital function unit that transmitsdigital baseband signals to the RRHs, and receives digital basebandsignals from the RRHs. If BBU1 320-2 is connected to the RRH(s) via, forexample, optical fibers, then BBU1 320-2 may convert the digitalbaseband signals into corresponding optical signals for transmission tothe RRHs and may receive optical signals from the RRHs and convert theoptical signals into corresponding digital baseband signals.

The RRH(s) each includes network devices that operate as radio functionunits that transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals to/from UEs110. If the RRHs are connected to BBU1 320-2 via an optical fiber, theRRHs may convert received RF signals to optical signals, and transmitthe optical signals to BBU1 320-2. Additionally, the RRHs may receiveoptical signals from BBU1 320-2 via the optic fiber and convert theoptical signals to RF signals for transmission via one or more antennas(e.g., one or more antenna arrays) of the RRHs. Each of the RRHs mayinclude at least one antenna array, transceiver circuitry, and otherhardware and software components for enabling the RRHs to receive datavia wireless RF signals from a UE 110, and to transmit wireless RFsignals to UE 110. If Next Generation Mobile network 120-2 is a 5G NewRadio (NR) network, BBU1 320-2 and the associated RRH(s) represent adistributed Next Generation NodeB, which may also be referred to as a“gNB,” or an enhanced LTE (eLTE) eNB that can connect to Next GenerationMobile network 120-2.

As further shown in the VoNR call terminating side of the portion 150 ofthe network environment, shown in FIG. 3B, 4G Mobile Network 130-2includes similar nodes to those described with respect to 4G MobileNetwork 130-1, including, among other nodes, a P-GW 325-2, a S-GW 330-2,a MME 335-3, and an LTE RAN 340-2. In circumstances where a 4G LTE calloriginates in a first mobile network operated by a first MNO, andterminates in a different, second mobile network operated by a secondMNO, then 4G Mobile networks 130-1 and 130-2 include separate, differentmobile networks interconnected via, for example, packet data network160. In circumstances where the 4G LTE call originates in a first mobilenetwork operated by a first MNO, and terminates in the same mobilenetwork, then 4G Mobile networks 130-1 and 130-2 are portions of a same4G Mobile Network 130 that interconnects with packet data network 160.

P-GW 325-2 includes a network device that acts as a router and a gatewaybetween packet data network 160 and 4G Mobile Network 130-2, andforwards session data between a base band unit in 4G Mobile Network130-2 and packet data network 160. S-GW 330-2 includes a network devicethat routes and forwards session data between P-GW 325-2 and a LTE RAN340-2 serving the session's destination UE 110.

Mobility Management Entity node (MME) 335-2 includes a network devicethat acts as a control entity for 4G Mobile Network 130-2, includingcommunicating with a HSS (not shown in FIG. 3B) of 4G Mobile Network130-2 for user/device authentication and for user/device profiledownload. MME node 335-2 further provides UEs 110 with mobilitymanagement and session management functions using, for example, NetworkAccess Stratum (NAS) signaling.

LTE RAN 340-2 may include a base band unit (BBU2) 345-2 and one or moreremote radio heads (RRHs). LTE RAN 340-2 may include one or moreadditional base band units (BBUs) and RRHs, and other wireless nodes andcomponents, not shown in FIG. 3B. BBU2 345-2 may connect to the one ormore RRHs via, for example, optical fibers. BBU2 345-2 includes anetwork device that operates as a digital function unit that transmitsdigital baseband signals to the one or more RRHs, and receives digitalbaseband signals from the one or more RRHs. If BBU2 345-2 is connectedto the one or more RRHs via, for example, optical fibers, then BBU2345-2 may convert the digital baseband signals into correspondingoptical signals for transmission to the RRHs, and may receive opticalsignals from the RRHs and convert the optical signals into correspondingdigital baseband signals.

The RRHs include network devices that operate as radio function unitsthat transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals to/from UEs 110.If the RRH(s) is/are connected to BBU2 345-2 via an optical fiber, theRRH(s) may convert received RF signals to optical signals, and transmitthe optical signals to BBU2 345-2. Additionally, the RRH(s) may receiveoptical signals from BBU2 345-2 via the optic fiber, convert the opticalsignals to RF signals for transmission via one or more antennas (e.g.,one or more antenna arrays) of the RRHs. Each of the RRHs may include atleast one antenna array, transceiver circuitry, and other hardware andsoftware components for enabling the RRHs to receive data via wirelessRF signals from UE 110-2, and to transmit wireless RF signals to UE110-2. BBU2 345-2 and the associated RRH(s) represent a distributedevolved NodeB (eNB).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a single exemplary implementation of theconfiguration of the components of Next Generation Mobile networks 120and 4G Mobile networks 130. Other components and configurations of NextGeneration Mobile networks 120 and 4G Mobile Networks 130 may, however,may be implemented. Therefore, Next Generation Mobile networks 120 and4G Mobile Networks 130 may each include additional, fewer and/ordifferent components, that may be configured differently, than depictedin FIGS. 3A and 3B and described herein. For example, though only asingle base band unit BBU 320, and a single base band unit BBU 345, areshown as components of Next Generation RAN 315 and LTE RAN 340,respectively, each of Next Generation RAN 315 and LTE RAN 340 mayinclude multiple base band units (i.e., >1 base band unit), with each ofthe multiple base band units further connecting to at least one RRH.

FIG. 4 depicts components of IMS network 140 of the network environment100 of FIG. 1A according to one exemplary implementation. As shown, IMSnetwork 140 may include a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF)400-P₁, a serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) 400-S₁, anInterrogating Call Session Control Function I-CSCF 400-I, a S-CSCF400-S₂, a P-CSCF 400-P₂, and multiple Media Resource Functions (MRFs)220-1 through 220-N. P-CSCF 400-P₁, S-CSCF 400-S₁, I-CSCF 400-I, S-CSCF400-S₂, and P-CSCF 400-P₂ may be generically and individually referredto herein as “CSCF 400”. As further shown in FIG. 4, IMS network 140 mayinclude, or interconnect with (via another network), a UDM 325 and a MRFrouting DB 420. MRF routing DB 420 may store a data structure thatfurther stores identifiers of particular MRFs that are closest to eachUPF 210 of Next Generation Mobile network(s) 120 and may further storeidentifiers of particular SRs 230 and/or SBCs 240 that are closest toMRFs 220. For example, a network administrator may determine aparticular MRF, for each UPF 210, that has the least distance betweenthe MRF and the UPF 210. As another example, the network administratormay determine a particular SBC 240 that has a least distance from aparticular MRF 220. In one implementation, the term “distance,” as usedherein, refers to an amount of latency between any two networknodes/devices (e.g., end-to-end latency between UE1 110-1 and 110-2,latency between UPF1 210-1 and MRF 220, latency between MRF 220 and aSBC 240, etc.). Thus, a larger “distance” corresponds to a higherlatency than a shorter “distance.” In other implementations, however,the term “distance” may refer to, and include, other network-relatedparameters such as, for example, a number of network hops in thetransport path, and/or a link cost(s) associated with one or more linksin the transport path.

For example, a “closest” MRF 220 to a UPF 210, or a “least distance”between a MRF 220 and an UPF 210 may include a MRF 220 having a networklocation relative to UPF 210 that minimizes end-to-end latencyassociated with the transport of the voice call. Additionally, a“closest” SBC 240 to a MRF 220, or a “least distance” between a MRF 220and a SBC 240, may include a SBC 240 having a network location relativeto the MRFP of the MRF 220 that also minimizes end-to-end latencyassociated with the transport of the voice call. The networkadministrator may populate the data structure of MRF routing DB 420 withassociations between each UPF 210 and a corresponding MRF 220 and,possibly a SR 230 and/or SBC 240, that are the closest, from thestandpoint of distance (e.g., media latency), to the UPF 210. MRFrouting DB 420 may be stored in a centralized network device or may bestored locally at each CSCF 400 of IMS network 140.

As also shown in FIG. 4, MRFs 220-1 through 220-n of IMS network 140 mayintersect with the transport network(s) 430 such that MRFs 220-1 through220-n may process and route media, associated with voice calls,transported via transport network(s) 430 between call endpoints (e.g.,UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2). Transport network(s) 430 may include one ormore networks that transport calls, including call media, between callendpoints. Transport network(s) 430 may, for example, include mobilenetworks 120 and 130, network 250, and/or packet data network 160 ofFIGS. 1A-3B.

P-CSCF 400-P₁ acts as an edge of IMS network 140 through which UE 110-1obtains access. P-CSCF 400-P₁maintains an awareness of all IMS endpointsthat are currently registered with IMS network 140, and performs variousmanipulations of SIP signaling messages that are arriving from, or beingsent to, the IMS endpoints (e.g., UEs 110-1 and 110-2). P-CSCF 400-P₁maintains a connection with S-CSCF 400-S₁.

S-CSCF 400-S₁ processes all originating and terminating SIP requests andresponses associated with endpoints registered with S-CSCF 400-S₁(including UE 110-1). S-CSCF 400-S₁ routes the SIP signaling towards itsdestination (e.g., towards P-CSCF 400-P₁ and UE 110-1), or towards UE110-2 via I-CSCF 400-I. S-CSCF 400-S₁, upon receipt of an SIP inviteassociated with a voice call originating from UE 1 110-1, obtains, fromUDM 325, information identifying the UPF 210 (e.g., UPF1 210-1) thatcurrently serves UE 1 110-1, inserts the UPF identifying informationinto the SIP invite, and forwards the SIP invite towards the terminatingCSCF 2 (e.g., S-CSCF 400-S₂). The user database of UDM 325 may supportall of the CSCFs 400 of IMS network 140. The user DB of UDM 325 storesuser subscription-related information (e.g., subscriber profiles), andmay be used for authentication and authorization of the user.

I-CSCF 400-I passes SIP signaling to/from S-CSCF 400-S₁ and S-CSCF400-S₂. I-CSCF 400-I queries UDM 325 to learn the identity of the S-CSCFassigned to a given UE 110 so that it can properly forward the SIPsignaling.

S-CSCF 400-S₂ processes all originating and terminating SIP requests andresponses associated with endpoints registered with S-CSCF 400-S₂(including UE 110-2). S-CSCF 400-S₂ routes the SIP signaling towards itsdestination (e.g., towards P-CSCF 400-P₂ and UE 110-2), or towards UE110-1 via I-CSCF 400-I. S-CSCF 400-S₂ receives the SIP invite, with theUPF identifying information, from S-CSCF 400-S₁, and retrieves the UPFidentifying information, that identifies the UPF 210 that currentlyserves the voice call originating UE1 110-1, from the SIP invite. S-CSCF400-S₂ performs a lookup into MRF routing DB 420 to retrieve informationfor a MRF of MRFs 220-1 through 2200-n that is closest to the UPF thatcurrently serves UE1 110-1. S-CSCF 400-S₂ assigns the retrieved MRF,that is closest to the UPF that currently serves UE1 110-1, as the mediaanchor for optimized routing and processing of media between UE1 110-1and UE2 110-2 associated with voice calls. The assigned MRF 220subsequently processes a media stream associated with the voice callbetween UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2.

Each of MRFs 220-1 through 220-n (generically referred to herein as“MRFs 220” or “MRF 220”) includes a Media Resource Function Controller(MRFC) and a Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP). Each MRFCincludes a signaling plane node that manages media resources bycontrolling its MRFP based on information/signaling received from anApplication Server (not shown) or from a S-CSCF 400-S (e.g., S-CSCF400-S₂ shown in FIG. 4). Each MRFP includes a node, that intersects withthe transport network(s) 430, to process media streams (e.g., RTPstreams) associated with calls, crossing transport network(s) 430between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2, based on control instructions from theMRFC of the MRF. The media stream processing may include, for example,bridging multiple streams for conferencing, audio transcoding,recording, media analysis (e.g., speech recognition), text-to-speechrendering, video processing, and announcement playing.

P-CSCF 400-P₂ acts as an edge of IMS network 140 through which UE 110-2obtains access. P-CSCF 400-P₂ maintains an awareness of all IMSendpoints that are currently registered with IMS network 140 andperforms various manipulations of SIP signaling messages that arearriving from, or being sent to, the IMS endpoints (e.g., UEs 110-1 and110-2). P-CSCF 400-P₂ maintains a connection with S-CSCF 400-S₂. S-CSCF400-S₁ and S-CSCF 400-S₂ may obtain subscriber profile information fromUDM 325 to determine whether UE 110-1 and/or UE 110-2 are subscribed forusage of 4G Mobile network 130 and/or Next Generation Mobile Network120.

The IMS network nodes shown in FIG. 4, including P-CSCF 400-P₁, S-CSCF400-S₁, I-CSCF 400-I, S-CSCF 400-S₂, P-CSCF 400-P₂ and MRFs 220-1through 220-N may each include functionality implemented in multiple,different network devices, or in a same, single network device. Theconfiguration of network components of IMS network 140 shown in FIG. 4is for illustrative purposes. Other configurations may be implemented.Therefore, IMS network 140 may include additional, fewer and/ordifferent components that may be configured in a different arrangementthan that depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of exemplary components of a network device 500.Network device 500 may correspond to UE 110, UPF node 210, SMF node 305,AMF node 310, BBU 1 320, BBU 2 345, P-GW node 325, S-GW node 330, UDM325, CSCFs 400, and/or MME node 335. Network device 500 may include abus 510, a processing unit 515, a main memory 520, a read only memory(ROM) 530, a storage device 540, an input device 550, an output device560, and a communication interface(s) 570. Bus 510 may include a paththat permits communication among the elements of network device 500.

Processing unit 515 may include one or more processors ormicroprocessors which may interpret and execute stored instructionsassociated with one or more processes, or processing logic thatimplements the one or more processes. For example, processing unit 515may include, but is not limited to, programmable logic such as FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or accelerators. Processing unit 515may include software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware for executing the processes described herein. Main memory 520may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamicstorage device that may store information and, in some implementations,instructions for execution by processing unit 515. ROM 530 may include aRead Only Memory (ROM) device or another type of static storage device(e.g., Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)) that may storestatic information and, in some implementations, instructions for use byprocessing unit 515. Storage device 540 may include a magnetic and/oroptical recording medium and its corresponding drive. Main memory 520,ROM 530 and storage device 540 may each be referred to herein as a“non-transitory computer-readable medium” or a “non-transitory storagemedium.”

Input device 550 may include one or more devices that permit a user oroperator to input information to network device 500, such as, forexample, a keypad or a keyboard, a display with a touch sensitive panel,voice recognition and/or biometric mechanisms, etc. Output device 560may include one or more devices that output information to the operatoror user, including a display, a speaker, etc. Input device 560 andoutput device 560 may, in some implementations, be implemented as agraphical user interface (GUI) that displays GUI information and whichreceives user input via the GUI. In some implementations, such as whennetwork device 500 is a UPF node 210, SMF node 305, AMF node 310, P-GWnode 325, S-GW node 330, UDM 325, or MME node 335, input device 650and/or output device 560 may be omitted from network device 500.

Communication interface(s) 570 may include one or more transceivers thatenable network device 500 to communicate with other devices and/orsystems. For example, in the case where network device 500 is a UE 110,communication interface(s) 570 may include a wireless transceiver(including at least one antenna) for communicating with one or more RRHsof Next Generation RAN 315 or LTE RAN 340. In the cases of UPF node 210,SMF node 305, AMF node 310, P-GW node 325, S-GW node 330, MME node 335,BBU 320 and BBU 345, communication interface(s) 570 may include at leastone wired transceiver for wired communication via Next Generation Mobilenetwork 120 and/or 4G Mobile Network 130. In some implementations,communication interface(s) 570 of BBU 320 and BBU 345 may include one ormore optical transceivers for communicating with RRHs via optical fiber.

Network device 500 may perform certain operations or processes, as maybe described herein. Network device 500 may perform these operations inresponse to processing unit 515 executing software instructionscontained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 520. Acomputer-readable medium may be defined as a physical or logical memorydevice. A logical memory device may include memory space within a singlephysical memory device or spread across multiple physical memorydevices. The software instructions may be read into main memory 520 fromanother computer-readable medium, such as storage device 540, or fromanother device via communication interface(s) 570. The softwareinstructions contained in main memory 520 may cause processing unit 515to perform the operations or processes, as described herein.Alternatively, hardwired circuitry (e.g., logic hardware) may be used inplace of, or in combination with, software instructions to implement theoperations or processes, as described herein. Thus, exemplaryimplementations are not limited to any specific combination of hardwarecircuitry and software.

The configuration of components of network device 500 illustrated inFIG. 5 is for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations may beimplemented. Therefore, network device 500 may include additional, fewerand/or different components, arranged in a different configuration, thandepicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary implementation of a data structure that maybe stored in MRF routing DB 420. As shown, the stored data structure mayinclude multiple entries 600, with each entry 600 including a servingUPF field 605, a MRF identifier (ID) field 610, and a SR/SBC ID field615.

Serving UPF field 605 stores a unique identifier (ID) associated with aparticular UPF 210 in Next Generation Mobile network(s) 120 thatperforms, among other functions, packet routing and forwarding, packetinspection, Quality of Service (QoS) handling, and serving as a point ofinterconnection between a Next Generation Mobile Network 120 and packetdata network 160, or between Next Generation Mobile Network 120 anothertransport network that is different than Next Generation Mobile Network120 (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) network to which UE2 110-2 may be connected via awireless or wired connection). In one implementation, the unique ID mayinclude a network address (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) address) of theUPF 210. Each UPF 210 in Next Generation Mobile network 120, identifiedin a field 605 of DB 420, may serve one or more UEs 110 during packettransport associated with voice calls between call endpoints (e.g., UE1110-1 and UE2 110-2).

MRF identifier (ID) field 610 stores a unique ID associated with aparticular MRF 220 (e.g., an MRFC and MRFP) that is closest to the UPFidentified in the corresponding field 605 of the entry 600. In oneimplementation, the unique ID may include a network address (e.g.,Internet Protocol (IP) address) of the MRF 220. For example, a networkadministrator may determine a particular MRF that has a least end-to-endlatency for packets transported between the UPF identified in field 605and the MRF and may insert the determined MRF into field 610 for storagein DB 420. Session Router (SR)/Session Border Controller (SBC) ID field615 stores a unique ID associated with a particular SR and/or SBC thatis used for media transport in a particular case where UE1 110-1 isconnected to Next Generation Mobile Network 120 and UE2 110-2 isconnected to a second network that may be a non-Next Generation MobileNetwork such as, for example, a PSTN or CDMA network. In this particularcase, media transport between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2 occurs across NextGeneration Mobile Network 120 and the second network via the MRF 220 andthe SBC 240. The SR and/or SBC ID stored in field 615 identifies the SR230 and/or SBC 240 that is closest to the MRF 220 identified in field610. The network administrator, for example, may also determine theparticular SR 230 and/or SBC 240 that causes a least end-to-end latencyfor packets transported between from UE1 110-1 to UE2 110-2 via the UPF210, MRF 220, and SBC 240, and may insert the determined SR/SBC intofield 615 for storage in DB 420.

To locate a particular entry 600, the data structure of MRF routing DB420 may be queried with particular data to locate an entry 600 havingmatching data stored in a particular one of the fields 605, 610, or 615.When such an entry 600 is located, data may be stored in one or morefields of the entry 600, or data may be retrieved from one or morefields of the entry 600. For example, if a particular UPF ID of a UPF210 serving a UE 110 is known, then the entries 600 of MRF routing DB420 may be queried with the UPF ID to locate an entry 600 having amatching UPF ID stored in field 605. Upon location of an entry 600having a matching UPF ID stored in field 605, a MRF ID and SR/SBC ID maybe retrieved from fields 610 and 615, respectively, of the located entry600.

The data structure of MRF routing DB 420 of FIG. 6 is depicted asincluding a tabular data structure with a certain number of fieldshaving certain content. The tabular data structure shown in FIG. 6,however, is for illustrative purposes. Other types of data structuresmay alternatively be used. The number, types, and content of the entriesand/or fields in the data structures illustrated in FIG. 6 are also forillustrative purposes. Other data structures having different numbersof, types of and/or content of, the entries and/or the fields may beimplemented. Therefore, the data structure depicted in FIG. 6 mayinclude additional, fewer and/or different entries and/or fields thanthose shown.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for assigning an IMSMRF 220 for optimized routing and processing of media associated with avoice call that traverses transport network(s) 430. The exemplaryprocess of FIG. 7 may be implemented by one or more CSCFs 400 (e.g.,S-CSCF 400-S₁ and S-CSCF 400-S₂ of FIG. 4) and a selected MRF 220. Theexemplary process of FIG. 7 is described below with reference to FIGS. 8and 9.

The exemplary process may include the CSCF 400 receiving, via the UPF1210-1 serving UE1 110-1, a SIP invite message associated with the voicecall originating from the UE1 110-1 (block 700). The CSCF 400 receivingthe SIP invite message may include, for example, S-CSCF 400-S₁ in FIG.4. FIG. 8 depicts UPF1 210-1 receiving a SIP invite message 805 from UE110-1, and forwarding the SIP invite message 805 to CSCF1 400-S₁.

The CSCF 400 obtains information regarding the UPF serving the UE1 110-1from the user profile, that is associated with UE1 110-1, stored at UDM325 (block 705). The ID of the UPF currently serving the UE1 110-1 maybe retrieved from the user profile stored at UDM 325 and returned toCSCF 400. FIG. 8 depicts CSCF1 400-S₁ obtaining 815 informationregarding UPF1 210-1 from UDM 325.

The CSCF 400 inserts the UPF's information into the SIP invite message'sheader, and forwards the SIP invite message towards the terminating CSCF(block 710). For example, the CSCF 400 may insert the UPF identifier,obtained in block 705, into the header data of the SIP invite message.FIG. 8 depicts CSCF1 400-S₁ forwarding the SIP invite message 820, withthe inserted UPF information, to the terminating CSCF 400-S₂.

The terminating CSCF 400 extracts the serving UPF's information from theSIP invite header (block 715), and performs a lookup into the MRFrouting DB 420 to retrieve information for an MRF, and possibly aSR/SBC, that are closest to the UPF serving the UE1 110-1 (block 720).The terminating CSCF 400 extracts the UPF ID of the UPF 210 currentlyserving UE1 110-1 from the header of the SIP invite message, and queriesMRF routing DB 420 with the UPF ID to locate an entry 600 in DB 420 thatstores a matching UPF ID. Upon location of the entry 600, theterminating CSCF 400 retrieves a MRF ID from field 610 of the locatedentry 600. The terminating CSCF 400 may additionally retrieve a SR/SBCID from field 615 of the located entry 600, if a SR/SBC ID is stored infield 615. FIG. 8 depicts CSCF 400-S₂ performing 825 a MRF routing DB420 lookup, using the UPF1 information retrieved from the SIP inviteheader, to retrieve information that identifies an MRF 220 that isclosest to the UPF 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of distances D between the UPF (e.g., UPF1300-1) serving UE1 110-1 and N different MRFs 220 located at variousnetwork locations in the transport network(s) 430. As shown, MRF 220-1is located at a distance D₁ from UPF1 210-1, MRF 220-2 is located at adistance D₂ from UPF1 210-1, MRF 220-3 is located at a distance D₃ fromUPF1 210-1, and MRF 220-N is located at distance D_(N) from UPF1 210-1,where D_(N)>D₃>D₂>D₁. In one implementation, the distance D for each MRF220 may represent a measure of the media latency between the MRF 220 andUPF1 210-1, or the overall end-to-end media latency from UE1 110-1 toUE2 110-2, via UPF1 210-1, the MRF 220, and UPF2 210-2, over thetransport network(s) 430. Thus, a lower media latency has a smallerdistance D than a higher media latency.

FIG. 10 further illustrates an example of distances D_(SBC) between theMRFP 800 of the MRF 220 and x different SBCs 240 located at variousnetwork locations in transport network(s) 430 relative to MRFP 800. Asshown, SBC1 240-1 is located at a distance D_(SBC1) from MRFP 800, andSBCx is located at a distance _(DSBCX) from MRFP 800. In oneimplementation, the distance D_(SBC) for each SBC 240 may represent ameasure of the media latency between the MRFP 800 and SBC 240, or theoverall end-to-end media latency from UE1 110-1 to UE2 110-2, via UPF1210-1, the MRFP 800, and SBC 240, over the transport network(s) 430.Thus, a lower media latency has a smaller distance D_(sBc) than a highermedia latency. An SBC 240 from the pool of SBCs may be selected formedia transport between MRFP 800 and network 2 250 based on the SBC 240having a least distance D_(SBC).

The terminating CSCF assigns the MRF 220 (and any SR/SBC), identified asbeing closest to the serving UPF 210, as a media transport way point(s)(e.g., transport path anchor) for optimized media routing during voicecall transport (block 725). In one implementation, assignment of theclosest MRF 220 to the serving UPF 210 may include notifying the servingUPF 210 of the assigned MRF 220 such that the serving UPF 210 routespackets of the call to the assigned MRF 220 via the transport network(s)430. Additionally, if a SR/SBC is to be assigned for transport of themedia (e.g., to network 2 250 in FIG. 10), then the terminating CSCFassigns the SR and/or SBC, identified as being the closest, as anothermedia transport way point for media routing during call transport fromUE1 110-1 to UE2 110-2 via Next Generation Mobile network 120-1 andnetwork 2 250. Referring again to the example of FIG. 9, MRF 220-1,having the least distance of D₁ from UPF1 210-1, is assigned to therouting of media of a voice call (e.g., VoNR call) between UE1 110-1 andUE2 110-2. Additionally, referring again to the example of FIG. 10, SBCx240-x , having the least distance of D_(SBCx) from MRFP 800 (and UPF1210-1), is additionally assigned to the routing of the media of thevoice call between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-1 via network 120-1 and network250. The messaging/operations diagram of FIG. 8 depicts CSCF 400-S2assigning 830 the retrieved MRF (and possibly SR/SBC), as the closestMRF (and SR/SBC) to the serving UPF1 210-1, for routing of mediaassociated with the call.

A MRFP 800 of the assigned MRF 220 processes a media stream(s)associated with the voice call (block 730). The MRFP 800 of the assignedMRF 220 subsequently receives packets, including call media, associatedwith the call originating from UE1 110-1, from UPF1 210-1. The MRFP 800performs processing of the media stream, including bridging multiplestreams for conferencing, audio transcoding, recording, media analysis(e.g., speech recognition), text-to-speech rendering, video processing,and/or announcement playing. After processing of the media stream, theMRFP 800 routes and forwards the packets associated with the calltowards the destination call endpoint (e.g., UE2 110-2) via transportnetwork(s) 430. In circumstances where UE2 110-2 is connected to anon-Next Generation Mobile Network, such as a PSTN or CDMA network, thenthe MRFP 800 may route and forward the packets associated with the callto the assigned SBC 240 which, in turn, routes the packets via network 2250 (e.g., in FIGS. 2B and 10). FIG. 8 depicts media 835 associated withthe voice call originating from UE 110-1, being forwarded to UPF1 210-1and then on to the MRFP 800 of the assigned MRF 220. The MRFP 800, beingthe closest MRF to UPF1 210-1, engages in processing 840 of the mediastream(s) as the media stream(s) is transported on to UE2 110-1 (notshown in FIG. 8). FIG. 8 further depicts media, after media streamprocessing 840 by MRFP 800, being transported to SBC 240, as the closestSBC from the pool of SBCs, for routing to network 2 250 (not shown), ina particular circumstance where UE2 110-2 is connected to network 2 250,and where network 2 250 includes a non-Next Generation Mobile Networksuch as a PSTN or CDMA network. In circumstances where UE2 110-2 isconnected to a Next Generation Mobile network 120, then SBC 240 may notbe required in the media transport path, and the voice call media 835may be transported from MRFP 800 to UE2 110-2 without being routed viaany intervening SBC transport way point(s).

The foregoing description of implementations provides illustration anddescription, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired frompractice of the invention. For example, while a series of blocks hasbeen described with respect to FIG. 7, and operation/message flows withrespect to FIG. 8, the order of the blocks and/or operation/messageflows may be varied in other implementations. Embodiments have beendescribed herein with respect to media transport associated with a voicecall over a transport network(s). However, the techniques of mediatransport described herein may be additionally applied to multimediasessions between network endpoints, such as an audio and video stream(s)between UE1 110-1 and UE2 110-2.

Certain features described above may be implemented as “logic” or a“unit” that performs one or more functions. This logic or unit mayinclude hardware, such as one or more processors, microprocessors,application specific integrated circuits, or field programmable gatearrays, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the presentapplication should be construed as critical or essential to theinvention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, thearticle “a” is intended to include one or more items. Further, thephrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on”unless explicitly stated otherwise.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto,and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing fromthe broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims thatfollow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded inan illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, at a networkdevice, a first message that includes an identifier (ID) of a first UserPlane Function (UPF) serving a first device in a wireless network,wherein the first message invites a second device to engage in a sessionwith the first device and wherein the first UPF supports packet routingand forwarding within the wireless network; extracting, by the networkdevice, the ID of the first UPF from the first message; determining, bythe network device, a closest media resource function (MRF) to the firstUPF, wherein the MRF processes and routes media streams between devices;and assigning, by the network device, the determined MRF as an anchor,in a network path between the first device and the second device, forprocessing and routing of media streamed between the first device andthe second device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sessioncomprises a voice call between the first device and at least one otherdevice that includes the second device.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the determined MRF includes a media resource function controller(MFRC) and a media resource function processor (MRFP).
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the closest MRF to the first UPF comprises:performing, using the ID of the first UPF, a lookup into a MRF databaseto retrieve an ID of the MRF, wherein the MRF database maps UPF IDs tocorresponding MRFs that are closest to particular UPFs.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the closest MRF to the first UPF comprises:determining a MRF, of a plurality of MRFs, that has a least end-to-endlatency with the first UPF.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein thenetwork device resides in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem(IMS) network.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the network deviceincludes a call session control function (CSCF) of an Internet ProtocolMultimedia Subsystem (IMS) network.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe wireless network comprises a Next Generation Wireless Network, andwherein the first UPF resides in the Next Generation Wireless Network.9. A network device, comprising: a communication interface configured toreceive a first message that includes an identifier (ID) of a first UserPlane Function (UPF) serving a first device in a wireless network,wherein the first message invites a second device to engage in a sessionwith the first device and wherein the first UPF supports packet routingand forwarding within the wireless network; and one or more processors,or logic, configured to: extract the ID of the first UPF from the firstmessage; determine a closest media resource function (MRF) to the firstUPF, wherein the MRF processes and routes media streams between devices,and assign the determined MRF as an anchor, in a network path betweenthe first device and the second device, for processing and routing ofmedia streamed between the first device and the second device.
 10. Thenetwork device of claim 9, wherein the session comprises a voice callbetween the first device and the second device, and wherein the seconddevice is different than the first device.
 11. The network device ofclaim 9, wherein the determined MRF includes a media resource functioncontroller (MFRC) and a media resource function processor (MRFP). 12.The network device of claim 9, wherein, when determining the closest MRFto the first UPF, the one or more processors, or logic, is configuredto: perform, using the ID of the first UPF, a lookup into a MRF databaseto retrieve an ID of the MRF, wherein the MRF database maps UPF IDs tocorresponding MRFs that are closest to particular UPFs.
 13. The networkdevice of claim 9, wherein, when determining the closest MRF to thefirst UPF, the one or more processors, or logic, is configured to:determine a MRF, of a plurality of MRFs, that has a least end-to-endlatency with the first UPF.
 14. The network device of claim 9, whereinthe network device resides in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem(IMS) network, and wherein network device comprises a call sessioncontrol function (CSCF) of the IMS network.
 15. The network device ofclaim 9, wherein the wireless network comprises a Next GenerationWireless Network, and wherein the first UPF resides in the NextGeneration Wireless Network.
 16. A non-transitory storage medium storinginstructions executable by a network device, wherein the instructionscomprise instructions to cause the network device to: receive a firstmessage that includes an identifier (ID) of a first User Plane Function(UPF), serving a first device, in a wireless network, wherein the firstmessage invites a second device to engage in a session with the firstdevice and wherein the first UPF supports packet routing and forwardingwithin the wireless network; extract the ID of the first UPF from thefirst message; determine a closest media resource function (MRF) to thefirst UPF, wherein the MRF processes and routes media streams betweendevices; and assign the determined MRF as an anchor, in a network pathbetween the first device and the second device, for processing androuting of media streamed between the first device and the seconddevice.
 17. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 16, wherein thedetermined MRF includes a media resource function controller (MFRC) anda media resource function processor (MRFP).
 18. The non-transitorystorage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions to cause thenetwork device to determine the closest MRF to the first UPF furthercomprise instructions to cause the network device to: perform, using theID of the first UPF, a lookup into a MRF database to retrieve an ID ofthe MRF, wherein the MRF database maps UPF IDs to corresponding MRFsthat are closest to particular UPFs.
 19. The non-transitory storagemedium of claim 16, wherein the instructions to cause the network deviceto determine the closest MRF to the first UPF further compriseinstructions to cause the network device to: determine a MRF, of aplurality of MRFs, that has a least end-to-end latency with the firstUPF.
 20. The network device of claim 16, wherein the network deviceresides in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, andwherein the network device comprises a call session control function(CSCF) of the IMS network.